Roman Numbers - Laws, Chart | What Are Roman Numbers?

When you think about numericals at present, the first thing that springs to mind is the decimal method we utilize regularly. This system, however, is not the single approach to portray numbers. There are multiple approaches used by various cultures all over the world that use all sorts of characters. One of system is Roman numbers.

Since ancient Rome, Roman numbers have become a method of writing numericals utilizing a mixture of characters from the Latin alphabet. It remained throughout the Middle Ages and the modern day, to the point it is still taught in school, that is probably why you have stumbled upon this blog.

Now, we are gonna to check out Roman numerals, what they are, how they function, and how to convert Roman numbers to ordinary numbers.

What Are Roman Numbers?

First, let's check a quick look at the past of Roman numbers. Roman numbers were initially utilized by the ancient Romans, as you may have guessed from the name. They were employed in many angles of the Roman world, including business, architecture, and even warfare.

Currently, its main use is primarily attributed to artistic reasons. You might have observed Roman numbers as hour marks on a clock, chapter numbers, page numbering, copyright dates, or in movie sequels (e.g., The Godfather Part III).

The Roman number system includes numbers using a combination of characters from the Latin alphabet. Characters are mixed to create groups that portray numbers. Seven alphabets, I, V, X, L, C, D, and M, depicts the numericals 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, and 1000, respectively. You can then blend these numericals to portray any value in the numerical system.

Meaning of the Roman numerals

Even though the decimal system is founded on the concept of place value, Roman numerals are based on linear and subtractive principles. This means that a Roman numeral's numeric values are founded on the sum of the values of its individual parts. Another key distinction is that the decimal approach is established on the number 10. In contrast, Roman numbers are established on the numericals 1 (I), 5 (V) and 10 (X).

Examples

Let's check out a few interactive examples of Roman numbers.

The computer game street fighter IV was released in arcades back in 2008. If we observe the number in the name, we see it consist of a V in it. This is due to the fact numerical 5 in Roman number is portrayed by the letter V. Preceded by it is an I, or 1. Thus, we grasp that this is the 4th to enter in the series utilizing the characteristics we will talk about down the article.

The movie Star Wars Episode VI was the latest entry in the original trilogy. Observing the value represented, it includes a V ensued by an I. Hence, we will sum a 1 to the value of V, which is 5, comprehending this Star Wars movie is the 6th to enter the series.

Roman Numerals Chart

To read Roman numerals, it is crucial to get a grasp of the numeric value of all the characters. To help make this operation easy, here is a chart with every Latin characters with allocated numeric values.

How to Change from Roman Numerals to Decimal Numericals

Since we have the useful table of Roman numerals, we can use that information to transform numbers back and forth promptly. Following these steps, you will transform these values at any time.

Steps to Transform Roman numerals to Regular Numericals

To convert Roman numerals to regular numericals, we will utilize the cumulative and subtractive principles we discussed.

• Start at the leftmost Roman numeral in the group.

• If the Roman number to its right is smaller in value, then sum the both values.

• If the Roman numerical to its right is more in value, deduct the Roman numeral on the right from the Roman numeral to its left.

• All you should do now is repeat this process unless you arrive at the end of the Roman number group.

Let's see how you can transform Roman numerals with a few examples.

Example 1

Study the Roman numeral LXXVI.

• Begin with the leftmost Roman numeral, which is L or 50.

• The Roman numeral to its right is X or 10. Since 10 is less than 50, we sum the two values and get 60.

• The Roman number to the right of X is X again. We sum 10 to 60 and the result is 70.

• The Roman numeral to the right of X is V or 5. Considering 5 is less than 70, we sum the two values and the result is 75.

• The Roman numeral to the right of V is I or 1. Considering 1 is less than 75, we add the two values and we find 76.

We stop here at the end of the Roman number group. Hence, the Roman number LXXVI is equal to the decimal number 76.

Example 2

Take into account the Roman number MCMIII.

• Begin with the leftmost Roman numeral, which is M or 1000.

• The Roman number to its right is C or 100. Considering 100 is less than 1000, and it is followed by an M, this value stands at 900.

• The Roman numeral to the right of M is I or 1. Considering 1 is less than 1900, we sum the both values and we find 1901.

• The Roman number to the right of I is I again. We add 1 to 1901 and the result is 1902.

• The Roman numeral to the right of I is I again. We sum 1 to 1902 and we find 1903.

Given that we have reached the end of the Roman numeral group, we stop here with our answer. Therefore, the Roman number MCMIII is equivalent to the decimal number 1903.

With this knowledge and a some practice, you will change Roman numerals to decimal numbers like a pro!

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